Spline connector

Abstract

A spline connector is provided which includes a first spline connector member. A second spline connector member is provided having backlash between spline teeth of the spline connector members. A spring is provided which biases the teeth of the spline connector members to engage with one another to counter separation resultant from negative torque oscillations.

1. A torsional force connector to torsionally connect a power source machine and power driven machine comprising:
 a driving connector member having teeth; 
 a driven connector member with teeth having backlash with said teeth of said driving connector member; and 
 a plate spline connected with one of said connector members, said plate having a connected spring biasing said teeth of said connector members to engage with one another only in a direction of contact to counteract negative torque of said driving connector member. 
 
   
   
     2. A connector as described in  claim 1  wherein there are a plurality of springs. 
   
   
     3. A connector as described in  claim 1  wherein there is no axial connection between said connector members. 
   
   
     4. A connector as described in  claim 1  wherein at least one of said connector members is torsionally held to one of said machines with bolts and said spring engages at least one of said bolts. 
   
   
     5. A connector as described in  claim 4  wherein said spring is formed by a cut out of said plate. 
   
   
     6. A connector as described in  claim 1  wherein said driven member is fixably connected with a damper. 
   
   
     7. A torsional force connector to torsionally connect a power source machine and power driven machine comprising:
 a driving connector member; 
 a driven connector member having backlash between teeth of said driving connector members; 
 a torsional coilspring biasing said teeth of said connector members to engage with one another only in a direction of contact to counteract negative torque of said driving connector member; and 
 a ramp connected on one of said connector members for engaging a leg of said spring. 
 
   
   
     8. A connector as described in  claim 7  wherein there are a plurality of springs. 
   
   
     9. A connector as described in  claim 7  wherein said ramp is provided by an adapter plate. 
   
   
     10. A torsional force connector to torsionally connect a power source machine and power driven machine comprising:
 a driving connector member; 
 a driven connector member having backlash between teeth of said connector members; and 
 a spring biasing said teeth of said connector members to engage with one another only in a direction of contact to counteract negative torque of said driving connector member, said spring being compressed before assembly of said connector and mating of said connector members together causes said spring to be at least partially released by axial movement of a pin. 
 
   
   
     11. A connector as described in  claim 10  wherein there are a plurality of springs. 
   
   
     12. A connector as described in  claim 10  wherein said spring is captured between axially extending teeth of said connector members. 
   
   
     13. A torsional force connector to torsionally connect a power source machine and power driven machine comprising:
 a driving connector member; 
 a driven connector member having backlash between teeth of said connector members; and 
 a spring biasing said teeth of said connector members to engage with one another only in a direction of contact to counteract negative torque of said driving connector member, said spring being compressed before assembly of said connector and mating of said connector members together causes a hook of said spring to be removed from a window of said spring to cause said spring to be at least partially released.